What do you want to become? Career Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006, Department of Career Development & Experiential Learning Interviewing What it takes to be successful! Created by Wanda Tiller January 25, 2007
Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 A Job Interview Is… An opportunity to meet face to face To discuss your qualifications To assess your abilities and skills To demonstrate your skills and personality To sell yourself To determine if this company is a good match for you
Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 What They Want to Know What are the key things an organization wants to know about you?
Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 What They Want to Know Can you do the job? Are you a good communicator? Can you work well with others? Do you have good social skills ?
Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 What You Want to Know What are the key things that you need to know about this opportunity?
Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 What You Want to Know Will you enjoy this job? - responsibilities - colleagues - atmosphere Will you be successful? Does it match your career goals?
Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 The Keys to a Successful Interview Convey a positive attitude –Show enthusiasm Beware of non-verbal communication –Keep eye contact with interviewer(s) Pay attention to physical appearance Be knowledgeable of the company Don’t talk yourself out of a job Don’t keep the interviewer waiting
Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Be Prepared: –Have extra resumes on hand. –Have references on hand if not attached to resume. –Conduct background research on organization. Remain calm when faced with periods of silence –Silence is not always bad but don’t wait too long. Know your resume –Reread it before going into an interview. The Keys to a Successful Interview
Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Arrive early –10-15 minutes early. Remain calm and collected (don’t drink coffee) Listen attentively Show confidence- how do you do this? Strong Handshake The Keys to a Successful Interview
Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Assess your career path Research company and position you are seeking Find out what type of interview it is Develop list of potential questions and responses Confirm date, time and location Pre-Interview Stage
Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Researching the Company What do you need to know? -company age, location and size -product lines, services, major clients -parent company, subsidiaries -major competitors -financial status -growth history -any recent news on company -areas of research
Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Appropriate dress Create a good first impression Ensure that you understand the question Be yourself Maintain eye contact with the interviewer(s) Appear confident Listen carefully to the questions (if you don’t understand the question ask for it to be repeated or rephrased) Interview Stage
Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 If you have a career portfolio, bring it Ask intelligent questions –What is the organization's plan for the next five years? –What kind of work can I expect to be doing the first year? –How much assistance is made available in developing career goals? –What are the opportunities for advancement? Thank them and shake hands Ask for a business card Interview Stage
Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Recap interview (write out questions) Request feedback from interviewer Send thank-you letter or –Follow-up within 24 hours –Express gratitude for the employer’s time –Highlight qualifications –Restate your interest in the company/career area –Communicate enthusiasm to have met with them Post-Interview Stage
Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © Types of Interviews Case Interview Behavior Based Interview Telephone Interview Videoconference Interview
Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Case Interview Used to assess logical thinking and problem solving skills Classic business cases are used to test analytic ability to sort key facts and stay focused Example: This is the situation, what would you do?
Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Behavior Based Interview Used to determine if you have skills / attributes needed for the position Use specific examples from work history, education and extracurricular activities to demonstrate the skill the interviewer is assessing Example: Tell me about a time when…
Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Telephone Interview Sound friendly, confident and calm Thank the interviewer for the call Collect your thoughts Smile Get company information Tip: Dress up as if you’re meeting face-to-face
Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Videoconference Interview Dress professionally – they can see you Speak slowly Prepare for silence due to a 5 sec audio delay Be aware of extra movements and noises Be patient – sounds may be distorted Speak up and project your voice Relax and smile
Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Common Interview Mistakes (Based on feedback from recruiters) Lack of preparation Inappropriate appearance Failure to ask questions Poor attitude (can be demonstrated through body language) Exaggerating or being deceitful Poor non-verbal communication Over or under answering questions
Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Websites (>Students>Career Tips)
Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 Important Service We do mock interviews! Your only cost is time! Setup yours today by calling ! Don’t let the interview cost you!
Development & Experiential Learning Copyright © 2006 For additional help, please visit us at Career Development & Experiential Learning University Centre, UC /3151 Thank You!